Rethinking Your Position: Simple Steps for Pressure Relief

Small adjustments can make a big impact on your health and comfort. For individuals with limited mobility, pressure relief is key to preventing painful and dangerous skin conditions. The following simple, yet effective strategies can help you stay safe and comfortable.

Promoting Pressure Relief

• Change your position every 2 hours. Regular movement reduces pressure build up on vulnerable areas.
• Use a trapeze bar if needed. This can assist with changing positions more easily and independently.
• Tilt, lean or shift—don’t slide or glide. Sliding can cause friction, which may damage the skin.
• If assisting someone, use bed linens to help lift or reposition. This prevents friction and reduces the risk of injury.
• Consider a special mattress. Foam, air, gel or water mattresses can protect vulnerable areas and help distribute pressure.
• Limit head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees or less. Lower angles reduce pressure on the lower back and tailbone.
• Cushion bony areas properly. Ensure no two skin surfaces rest against each other by using pillows or foam pads to separate them.
• Place cushions between knees, ankles and on the heels. This prevents pressure points from developing.

Repositioning for Comfort and Safety

In Bed

• Change position every 2 hours.
• Ensure skin is kept clean and dry using mild soap and water.
• Inspect high-risk areas daily, such as the lower back, tailbone, heels, hips and elbows. Use a mirror or ask for assistance if needed.
• At the first sign of skin discoloration, stay off that pressure point until it returns to normal.
• Keep dry skin moisturized, avoiding lotion between toes.
• Manage incontinence closely to prevent prolonged moisture exposure.

In a Wheelchair

• Change position every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Perform wheelchair push-ups to raise your body off the seat and improve circulation.
• Consider a specialized wheelchair that tilts to redistribute pressure.
• Use pressure-relieving seat cushions (though, avoid doughnut-shaped cushions).

Skin Care Essentials

• Clean skin gently and thoroughly dry it.
• Moisturize dry skin (avoiding areas between the toes).
• Monitor high-risk areas daily and act promptly if you notice any signs of skin irritation or breakdown.

Nutrition for Healthy Skin

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
• Supplements such as vitamin C or zinc may help improve skin health.
• If your appetite is poor, liquid nutrition can support your body’s needs.
• Stay hydrated to keep your skin resilient and healthy.

Staying Active for Better Health

• “Move it or Lose It” — Staying active builds muscle, strengthens your body and boosts your overall wellbeing.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. It’s a tough decision, but quitting can greatly improve your skin health and circulation.

Could you use the support of in-home care? Elara Caring can help.

If you need assistance caring for a loved one, contact your local team or read more about at-home care options.